Dog Owner Responsibilities

Dog registration

All dogs over three months old must be registered.

To register your dog or to notify us of a change to your animal’s details, please go to Dog registration and change of details.

Number of dogs allowed

The maximum number of dogs you can have is two, except if you live on general or intensive farming zoned land, then you can have up to three dogs.

If you have a litter of puppies, then you can keep the puppies until they reach three months of age. 

Should you wish to keep more than the permitted number of dogs for your land zoning then you must make an application to Shire of Harvey.

Please contact us to find out more.

These requirements are in line with the Shire of Harvey Dog Local Law 2017 for the purposes of section 26(4) of the Dog Act 1976.

Restricted breeds

Under the Dog (Restricted Breed) Regulation 2006, prohibited breeds include:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Dogo Argentio
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Presa Canario.

They may also be a mixed breed that visibly contains any of the above prohibited breeds.

Owning a restricted breed dog

There are a considerable number of restrictions that must be strictly adhered to, for example:

• A ‘dangerous dog’ warning sign must be on each entrance to your property
• The dog must be muzzled and on a leash in public.

Important note: Local Governments can declare any dog as dangerous, based on its behaviour and regardless of the breed.

Dogs in public places

Dogs must be held by a leash in all public places, unless in approved dog exercise areas.

All dogs are prohibited in the following areas:

• Any public reserves indicated by a sign or public building
• All premises or vehicles classified as food premises or food vehicles under the Food Act 2008 (unless guide dog exemption)
• Any public swimming pool.

Barking dogs

Neighbours are encouraged to speak to dog owners if they are concerned about excessive barking (a nuisance).

If the barking continues, residents are encouraged to contact the Shire Rangers on 9729 0350. A Ranger will liaise with the dog owner and provide suggestions on how the barking may be reduced. 

Important note: Rangers do not have the authority to remove a nuisance dog from its residence.

Dog attacks

A dog attack can mean anything from a person or animal being chased and growled at, through to physical contact resulting in an injury or death to a person or animal.

All attacks should be reported to the Shire Rangers on 9279 0350, regardless of the severity of the attack.  All complaints are confidential.

A dog that has shown aggressive behaviour may be declared as a Dangerous Dog and be subject to additional control requirements eg. muzzled in public.

More information and contacts

For more information about dog owner responsibilities, please contact us.

Related legislation

• Dog Act 1976
• Dog (Restricted Breed) Regulation 2006
• Dog Local Law

Related pages

• Dog registration and change of details
• Cat registration and change of details
• Dog exercise areas
• Cat ownership responsibilities
• Animal pound (cats and dogs)